Surge Protection Devices

Justin Ellis3:52 pm

A surge protection device protects electrical equipment from voltage spikes and surges that exceed a safe level. Surge protection methods either block or divert any voltage that surpasses standards. Some surge protectors combine blockage and diversion techniques. Different models of surge protectors offer various levels of protection. The clamping voltage rating of a protector tells installers at what voltage the power will be diverted into a ground line, with a lower number equaling greater protection. The Joules rating of the device specifies the amount of energy the unit can absorb during one surge event. The response time of the surge protector should also be considered, with some devices responding in under a nanosecond.

A UPS and PDU Can Provide Surge Protection

A power management system can include a UPS and a PDU for surge protection. The right level of protection will safeguard commercial and industrial equipment while alleviating downtime. PDUs and UPS units deliver protection against events such as lightning strikes, as well as utility fluctations and load switching. Power strips, power distribution devices, and uninterruptible power supplies feature processes that smooth the flow of transient voltage (surges). Designed for data centres, a switched PDU with surge protection can also provide remote monitoring of voltage and current. Depending upon its level of technology, a uninterruptible power device will also provide varying levels of UPS power fluctuation protection for IT equipment and crucial data.

Surge Protector or Suppressor

Unwanted voltage can be absorbed by a surge protector or suppressor, while power at normal levels continues to be transmitted to equipment. Protection levels cover basic, professional and advanced demands, depending on the lines to be shielded from damage. Commercial grade surge protection safeguards computers, telecom equipment and network lines against power transients, while monitoring and displaying the current in amps.